Divers recover three bodies in separate Gauteng water incidents
The recoveries took place in Vereeniging, Olievenhoutbosch, Atteridgeville, and Wierdabrug, with illegal fishing nets also discovered in Heidelberg.
APS divers from the Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) responded to multiple water-related incidents across the province, recovering three bodies between July 28 and 30.
On July 28, Sedibeng WPDS responded to Mario Milani Drive, Vereeniging, at the FW de Klerk Bridge, where a man allegedly walked into the Vaal River the previous night to swim.
According to spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, an eyewitness pointed out an area where the victim was last seen approximately 80m from the point of entry.
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The divers did not find the victim during their 100-minute dive. The eyewitness then informed them that he was not certain of the location.
The K9 unit also attended the scene but found no trace of the victim. The divers returned to the scene on July 29 and July 30 without any success or indication.
On the same day, Tshwane members responded to two scenes.
In the morning, at Olievenhoutbosch, next to the R55, the body of a person reported missing was recovered in a channel of contaminated water.
Later that afternoon, they recovered the body of an unknown man from the rocks beneath a waterfall in the veld between WF Ngomo Drive and the N4 Highway in Atteridgeville.
On the afternoon of July 30, Tshwane WPDS responded to a report of a body floating in the Hennops River near Blackwood Street, Wierdabrug. They recovered the victim and handed the body over to Wierdabrug SAPS at the scene.
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The same afternoon, Ekurhuleni WPDS responded to a report of illegal fishing nets in the Blesbokspruit River, Heidelberg.
Heidelberg SAPS, together with Benoni K9, successfully removed a large net.
Members combed the area for further illegal activity.
Local SAPS stations are currently investigating inquest dockets for these cases.
Individuals with information regarding these incidents should contact the relevant SAPS station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
